Prairie Pup Adventures at Plains Conservation Center
Prairie Pup Adventures at the Plains Conservation Center offers a fun way for preschool aged children to learn about the animals, plants and people who call the prairie home. Each week we will investigate a topic using hands on science, art and nature explorations. For children ages 3-6 with their accompanying caregiver.
April 7, 2026: Cooking on the Wood Burning Stove
Mix, measure, churn and chop to make homemade biscuits, butter and applesauce on the 1800s wood-burning stove. Ingredients include gluten, dairy and eggs. Please email pccinfo@botanicgardens.org with allergy concerns so we may make accommodations.April 21, 2026: Flower Power
Who doesn’t love flowers? Come learn more about these beautiful beings through planting seeds, looking for flowers on the prairie and finish with a flower dissection to examine its parts.May 5, 2026: Life on the Farm
Join us in the replica sod village farm to explore how people lived in the 1800s. Feed and brush the farm animals to learn about animal husbandry, tend to the heirloom garden and leave with a new appreciation for where your food comes from.May 19, 2026: Campfire Safety
Summer campfires are so much fun and learning about campfire safety can be too! Listen to Native American fire stories, make an edible campfire and finish with toasting a marshmallow on a real outdoor campfire that you get to help build.June 1, 2026: Nature and Art
Come explore the prairie with an artistic twist! After a nature walk to look for shapes, textures, colors and more, you’ll get creative with mud painting, yucca braiding and even an edible craft.June 16, 2026: Summer Safari
Join us for a wagon ride across the prairie to explore the ecosystem. Use scientific tools like binoculars and magnifying glasses while we explore the difference between the high plains and the riparian area.June 30, 2026: Sensory Adventures
Bring the world of plants to life using your five senses to explore their different colors, textures, shapes and smells. Learn about the many ways we use plants every day and plant seeds to grow at home.July 14, 2026: Mammals of the Prairie
Hop, scamper and explore the world of prairie mammals! In this playful program, little learners discover animals that live on the plains, from burrowing prairie dogs to speedy rabbits and curious coyotes. Learn real biofacts, move like different mammals, and create a fun craft while learning how these furry animals survive on the prairie.July 28, 2026: Farm Animals
Step back in time and experience life on a prairie homestead. Families meet friendly farm animals and learn what it was like to care for them on an 1800s farm. Children help feed the animals to discover how prairie farmers worked with these animals every day.Duration: 1 hour
Audience: Recommended for children ages 3-6 years.
Program Fee One adult per child is admitted free of charge. Additional adults and non-participating siblings (children over the age of 6 years) are $5 each. Non-participating-Infants (children under the age of 18 months) are free.
Location: Plains Conservation Center, 21901 E Hampden Ave Aurora, CO 80013 (Entrance is at the corner of E Hampden Ave and S Picadilly Rd)